Benue Assembly sets up committee to investigate garnishee orders

The Benue State House of Assembly has ordered an investigation into alleged indiscriminate garnishee orders against the accounts of the state government.

The resolution was reached during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Alfred Emberga.

The Assembly’s decision followed separate motions seeking greater scrutiny of financial activities involving the state government and local government councils, particularly concerns surrounding garnishee proceedings and public procurement.

Moving the motion on garnishee orders, the Majority Leader, Hon Peter Bemdoo Ipusu, drew the attention of the House to what he described as the growing incidence of garnishee orders and writs of mandamus against the state government.

The lawmakers expressed concern that the continued issuance of such orders could restrict the government’s access to funds needed to implement approved programmes and meet its obligations to the people.

The House noted that government operations were financed through statutory allocations, Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenues, Value Added Tax (VAT), internally generated revenue, grants and other legitimate sources of public funds.

It further observed that the state government and local government councils routinely enter into contracts with individuals, government agencies and corporate organisations for the execution of projects and provision of services.

The lawmakers raised concerns over allegations that some officials could be collaborating with contractors or other parties to secure garnishee orders against government accounts.

The Assembly said such practices, if established, could undermine effective governance and expose public resources to abuse.

Consequently, the House constituted a five-member ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the garnishee orders and establish the status of judgment debts involving the state government and local government councils.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Zaape Upaa, the committee was given two weeks by the Speaker to submit its report.